Meet the Study Abroad Staff

Bio:

Bri is originally from Florida and spent six years in New Orleans earning her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Liberal Arts degrees at Tulane University. She has traveled to over 20 countries on 5 continents, including a year of living abroad in South Korea. While living overseas, she taught English as a Second Language to elementary school students and wrote articles for several Korean magazines. In her spare time she loves to read, write, and play with her dog, Cheese.

Quote:

“I am thrilled to be here at USA to help students explore other countries and cultures. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or thinking about going abroad for the first time, we can help you find a program that will meet your needs and change your life. I am eager to meet you when you are ready to start thinking about studying abroad – it’s never too early. Go Jags!”

Favorite destination:

Mongolia, Italy

Next on her list:

Namibia, Egypt, Thailand 

Bio:

Shawn is originally from South Carolina but grew up in the California Bay Area. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Los Angeles and her Master of Arts from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Shawn has traveled to over 15 countries on three continents, including seven years of living between Ghana and Togo, West Africa. While living in West Africa she led customized faculty-led groups, global internship and service-learning programs. Some of her travel studies include French summer sessions in Paris, a conflict resolution fellowship in Tanzania/Kenya and a United Nations graduate-level internship in Geneva.  She enjoys exploring new places; especially scenic beach spots in her free time.

Quote:

“The only person I envy is the person who hasn’t traveled or studied abroad; you have so much to look forward to! I truly believe everyone deserves and needs a global perspective.  I know sometimes going abroad is easier said than done. But, as my mentor Marie Forleo says, ‘everything is figureoutable’.  I’m so excited to be in a role where I get to help students figure out a path to achieve their dreams”.

Favorite destination:

Portbou, Spain

Next on her list:

Thailand, Senegal, Cape Verde Islands

Bio:

Jan was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 11 when she moved to the U.S. She lived in Michigan for three years before moving to Alabama in 2005. Jan graduated from South in 2016 majoring in Foreign Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French. Studying in Dijon, France was the highlight of her college career. She loves learning about different cultures and languages. She is proficient in English, Tagalog, French, Italian and some sign language. On her spare time, she enjoys drawing with charcoal, jamming to Disney songs, and watching re-runs of Friends.

Quote:

It’s not impossible, but I’m possible! I never thought my dream of going to France would become a reality. But because of the Office of International Education, I made it from Moulton Tower to the Eiffel Tower! Studying abroad teaches you things that you will never learn within the four walls of a classroom. It will give you answers you will not find in the pages of a textbook. What you reap from the experience is invaluable and life changing. Come visit our office and take the first step in making your dream come true!

Favorite destination:

Het Drielandenpunt (“Tripoint” where the borders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet)

Next on her list:

Australia and the United Kingdom

Bio:

Jamie is originally from Daleville, Alabama. She moved to Mobile in 2014 to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree at USA. She graduated in 2018 with a major in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a minor in English. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Audiology. Jamie studied abroad while in graduate school, visiting Durban, South Africa. In her spare time she enjoys hanging in her hammock, reading a good book, and spending time with friends. 

Quote:

"Through study abroad, I was able to learn more than just what the classroom can teach. It provided me the unique opportunity to be exposed to things I thought I would never be able to see in practice. I was able to learn about myself and grow as a future audiologist. I am excited to help fellow South students find the right study abroad experience for them! Don't be nervous, come chat with me about study abroad!"

Favorite destination:

Durban, South Africa

Next on her list:

Puerto Rico, Canada, Italy

Major:

Foreign Language - Spanish

Travel Experience/Program:

South Korea

Most Memorable Experience:

I spent December 2019 and January 2020 in South Korea visiting my best friend who is teaching English there. I was very nervous to travel alone for the first time, but it ended up being the most amazing experience. I had never been outside of the United States prior to this trip, and experiencing this new world with my best friend was so memorable. This trip is so special to me because I overcame a major personal barrier with flight anxiety, and the outcome was superb! Now that I know that I can fly 19 hours across the world alone, I am so excited to travel internationally again. This trip to South Korea will always be close to my heart. If you are nervous about traveling internationally, take a risk! You can overcome any obstacle. The rewards are endless.

Major:

International Studies

Travel Experience/Program:

USA Exchange: Inha University; Incheon, South Korea; Spring 2020

Most Memorable Experience:

My most memorable study abroad experience has to be my trip to Jeju Island, which is a small island to the south of mainland Korea. In the four days that I was there, I got to visit traditional temples and villages. I got to go hiking, which is something I’d never got to do before. Going to the coast and seeing the beautiful, blue ocean was an amazing experience. Getting to taste the local seafood was another favorite moment of mine. My trip to Jeju is one I will never forget!

Major:

Economics and Finance

Travel Experience/Program:

USA Exchange: Hanyang University; Seoul, South Korea; Academic Year 2019-2020

Most Memorable Experience:

 My favorite memory of study abroad was the Fall welcome party hosted by the university abroad. Settling in South Korea, I began to worry how could I possibly make friends in this big, foreign city. I almost did not make it to the welcome party; however, finally deciding to attend it turned out to be a great chance to meet all the exchange students who I would be spending the rest of the semester with. I remember being full of joy and excitement to meet others who also expressed the same excitement as I did! It was such a lively evening full of meeting local and exchange students and playing traditional Korean mini games. This was the beginning of many lifelong friendships around the world.

Major:

Marine Biology

Travel Experience/Program:

Egypt and Italy

Most Memorable Experience:

My most memorable experience abroad was the day I climbed down into King Tut’s Tomb. It was a place that I had learned about since I could read. I stood where so much mystery and grandeur had taken place over three thousand years ago and the location of a discovery that took the world by storm over 100 years. The feeling was amazing and I can’t wait to travel again.